Men’s health matters: Steps to a better you

June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on the importance of taking care of your body and mind. It’s a chance to remind yourself and the men in your life that good health is the foundation for a happy and active life. By making small, simple changes, you can improve your well-being and set a great example for others.

Men of all ages can stay healthier by learning about their health risks and making better choices. This is very important for Black and Hispanic men, and people in communities that don’t always have access to health care. One health problem to know about is high blood pressure. It appears to affect Black men more but, Brown men are often underdiagnosed due to language barriers and lack of access to health care. High blood pressure can cause serious problems if not detected early.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. Blood moves through your body in tubes called blood vessels, and your heart pumps it to give your body the oxygen and nutrients it needs.

When the pressure is too high for too long, it can hurt your heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure, often called the "silent killer," doesn’t usually show symptoms until it’s too late. It can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other health issues. By managing your blood pressure and catching high blood pressure early, you can reduce these risks significantly.

No matter your age or background, there are steps you can take today to improve your health:

• ·Schedule your annual check-up: Your doctor can help identify potential health issues early. Regular screenings, like blood pressure checks and cancer screenings, can save lives.
• Manage stress: Stress can take a toll on your body. Find activities that help you relax, like yoga, meditation or simply spending time with loved ones.
• Get support: Don’t go at it alone. Whether you’re managing a condition like sickle cell disease or working on building healthier habits, reaching out for help is a sign of strength.
• Stay active: Studies show that obesity affects 41.6% of men age 20 and older. Moving more, eating healthy and making small changes can help you stay healthy and lower your risk.

This year, commit to putting your health first. Start with one small change - whether it’s drinking more water, cutting down your salt intake, going for a jog or scheduling that overdue doctor’s appointment.

At Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, we’re here to support you. We host health fairs throughout the year and our health screening kiosks are stationed throughout Chicago. From finding a doctor to answering questions about your benefits, we can help you live your healthiest life. Call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711) to set up your yearly check-up and take control of your health.

Take charge today. You’ve got this!